'Alif-Laam-Meem' is known as ‘Solemn Verse' (Ayat-e-Muqatta'at - آیتِ مقطعات).

Fourteen Arabic alphabets have been used, in varied combinations, in 14 ‘Solemn Verses' (Ayaat-e-Muqatta'at - آیاتِ مقطعات) in the form of initials of 29 Chapters (سورة) of holy Quran. Alif-Laam-Meem ( الم ) is one of them.

Since Quran is 'Mubeen' (الْمُبِينِ); its description is clear and manifest. The meanings of all the verses of Quran, including 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) are surely known to its principle addressee, ie., Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). It is also likely that Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) has informed the meanings of these Verses to some of his Sahabah and Awliya Allah.

We believe in whatever is meant by the 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

Since we have been commanded to read the Quran carefully and try to understand the significance of every verse of the Quran, we do ponder over these verses. And when we think, by focusing our attention towards Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) and His Apostle Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) for guidance, it comes to our mind that the 'Solemn Verses' (آیاتِ مقطعات) are actually the 'Solemn Titles of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) given by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) throughout the Quran. Our understanding is based on the fact that Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) has addressed Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) in the Quran by specific names, like Muzzammil (مزمل - O' beloved who covers self in a coverlet), Muddassir (مدثر - O' beloved, who covers self in a bed sheet). With this understanding, it is most likely that Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) other names / titles have been mentioned in Quran by denoting certain initials/alphabets.

نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنْزَلَ التَّوْرَاةَ وَالْإِنْجِيلَ [ He has sent down to you (O' Prophet ﷺ) this Book (the Quran) in truth, confirming the Books before it, and He sent down the Tauraat (Torah) and the Injeel (the Gospel).

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 004

مِنْ قَبْلُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَأَنْزَلَ الْفُرْقَانَ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِآَيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ ذُو انْتِقَامٍ [ before this (Quran), (which is) a guidance to mankind; and sent down (as) Judgement; indeed for those who disbelieved in the verses of Allah, is a severe punishment; and Allah is Almighty, the Avenger (of the wrong).

Belief in books sent down on prophets is an integral part of Islamic faith.

It is in Quran - قُولُوا آمَنَّا بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالْأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ[Say (O' Prophet ﷺ) We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down on us (Quran), and sent down on Abraham (Ibrahim - عليه السلام) and Ishmael (Isma'eel - عليه السلام) , Isaac (Is-haq - عليه السلام) and Jacob (Ya'qub - عليه السلام) , and the Tribes, and in that which was given to Moses (Musa - عليه السلام) and Jesus (Isa - عليه السلام), and (among) the prophets of their Lord; we make no division between any of them. ] (Al-Baqara - 136)

Thus, we believe in Quran and all the scriptures mentioned in Quran.

(a) The Gospel (الإنجيل) revealed to Prophet Isa (عليه السلام).

(b) The Torah (التوراة) revealed to Prophet Musa (عليه السلام).

(c) The Psalms (الزبور) revealed to Prophet Dawud (عليه السلام).

(d) The Scrolls (صحف) revealed to Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and other prophets.

It is a fact that all the above scriptures have not survived neither in their original languages they were revealed to their respective prophets, nor in their content. Some translations are available which are not as per their original text. Also these translated versions have been changed successively over centuries. This is the reason that no two translated editions of Bible match with each other.

Quran contains 114 chapters covering many subjects. It was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) over a period of 23 years. Quran is the only Divine Book that has been preserved in its original form. Not even a vowel sign of a word has been changed in it over a period of 1,450 years. It is indeed guidance to the entire mankind till the Day of Resurrection.

هُوَ الَّذِي يُصَوِّرُكُمْ فِي الْأَرْحَامِ كَيْفَ يَشَاءُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ [ He shapes you in the womb of the mother as He wills. There is no God but He, the Almighty and All Wise.

Quran provides detail account of the creation of human beings.

It is in Quran -وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ مِن سُلَالَةٍ مِّن طِينٍ - ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُطْفَةً فِي قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ - ثُمَّ خَلَقْنَا النُّطْفَةَ عَلَقَةً فَخَلَقْنَا الْعَلَقَةَ مُضْغَةً فَخَلَقْنَا الْمُضْغَةَ عِظَامًا فَكَسَوْنَا الْعِظَامَ لَحْمًا ثُمَّ أَنشَأْنَاهُ خَلْقًا آخَرَ ۚ فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ [And verily We did create man from a quintessence (of clay). Then We placed him (as a drop of sperm) in a place of rest, firmly fixed. Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood (zygote). Then of that clot We made a lump (fetus). Then We made out of that lump, bones and clothed the bones with flesh. Then We developed out of it another creature (by breathing life into it). So blessed be Allah, the most marvelous Creator.] ( Al-Mu’minoon - 12-14).

It is in Hadith - Abdullah bin Masud (رضئ الله تعالى عنه) narrates that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said - إنَّ أحدكم يُجمَع خَلْقُه في بطن أمه أربعين يومًا، ثم يكون علقةً مثل ذلك، ثم يكون مُضغةً مثل ذلك ، ثم يَبعث الله ملكًا فيُؤمر بأربع كلمات، ويقال له: اكتُبْ عملَه، ورزقَه، وأجلَه، و شقيٌّ أو سعيدٌ، ثم يُنفخ فيه الروح [Each one of you is constituted in the womb of the mother for forty days and then he becomes a clot of thick blood for a similar period and then a piece of flesh for a similar period. Then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to write four things. He is ordered to write down his deeds, his livelihood, his (date of) death, and whether he will be blessed or wretched (in religion). Then the soul is breathed into him] (Bukhari)

The above Quranic verse and Hadith confirm that the soul enters the fetus 120 days (4 months) after gestation. Thus, first human body is created in the womb of the mother, and then the soul gets associated with it. The moment the soul gets associated with human body, the person/human being comes into life.

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 007

هُوَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آَيَاتٌ مُحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آَمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِنْ عِنْدِ رَبِّنَا وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُواْ الْأَلْبَابِ [ He (Allah) is who has sent down to you (O'Prophet ﷺ) the Book (Quran). Some verses of it are definite in meaning (Ayaat-e-Muhkamaat). These form the mother of the Book (the basic there in) and the rest are figurative (metaphorical) (Ayaat - e - Mutashaabihaat). But they, in whose minds there is a tendency to deviate from truth, take the metaphorical (verses in their literal / textual sense) craving discord, and craving to give them their own interpretation, although none knows the reality about them except Allah. And those who make it right approach to knowledge could only say 'we believe therein all that is from our Lord'. None can catch their significance except those gifted with insight."

The word (مُحْكَمَاتٌ) is derived from the root Arabic word (أحكما), meaning 'to decide between two things'. The word (مُحْكَمَاتٌ) is a verbal noun in plural form, meaning judgements, decisions, etc., and refers to the verses of the Quran related to legal rulings and clear definitions.

The word (مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ) is derived from the root Arabic word (اشتبها), meaning 'not certain'. It is a verbal noun in plural form, meaning uncertain things. It refers to those verses of the Qur'an, the meanings of which, require interpretation.

The following verses are the examples of Ayaat-e-Muhkamaat.

(i) It is in Quran -لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِ شَيْءٌ [ There is nothing like Him.] (Ash-Shura - 11)

(ii) It is in Quran -رَّبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا فَاعْبُدْهُ وَاصْطَبِرْ لِعِبَادَتِهِ ۚ هَلْ تَعْلَمُ لَهُ سَمِيًّا [ Lord of the skies and the earth and whatever is between them, so worship Him and have patience for His worship. Do you know of any similarity to Him? ] (Maryam - 65)

The following verses are the examples of 'Ayaat-e-Mutashabihaat' whose meanings require interpretation.

(i) It is in Quran - يَدُ اللَّهِ فَوْقَ أَيْدِيهِمْ [ The hand of Allah is over their hands. ] (Al-Fath - 10)

The meaning of this verse is, since the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) was following the commandment of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) by taking baya of his Sahabah, the baya is reflected towards Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) who commanded it. It means that though the hand of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) is on the hands of his Sahabah, the implication is, the hand of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is over their hands.

(ii) It is in Quran -الرَّحْمَـٰنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَىٰ [ Ar-Rahman (the Most Compassionate) is established over the Throne.] (Taa Haa - 5)

Since Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is free from the considerations of form, body, sitting, standing and all other characteristics of His creatures, the meaning of this verse is Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) Kingdom and authority is established over the Throne.

(iii) It is in Quran -اللَّهُ يَسْتَهْزِئُ بِهِمْ وَيَمُدُّهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ [Allah mocks them and prolongs them in their transgression (while) they wander blindly.] (Al-Baqara- 15)

The meaning of this verse is 'Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) punishes them for their mockery.

(iv) It is in Quran -وَمَكَرُوا وَمَكَرَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَاللَّهُ خَيْرُ الْمَاكِرِينَ [ And (then unbelievers) plotted and planned and Allah too planned and the best of planners is Allah.] (Aal-i-Imran)

The meaning of this verse is Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) punishes them for their devilish plots.

Salafis and their like minded groups use the above Ayat-e-Mutashabihaat in literal/textual meanings to mislead Muslims. They claim their God has a physical body.

It is important to understand the perception of God by Salafis, Christians and Hindus who worship Idol Gods in different formats. Salafis call their Sky God as Allah because God is translated in Arabic as Allah. Similarly, Christians in Arabic, Persian and Urdu translations of Bible, refer to their God as Allah.

Islamic perception of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is completely different from the idolized perception of Hindus, Salafis, Christians and other people.

Salafis and their like minded groups worship a Sky God who has two hands, two eyes, a face, a mouth and tongue in the mouth, two shins, legs, fingers in hands and feet, and a huge human like physical body; who is sitting on a big chair on the skies in a certain direction. They say that this huge Sky Idol has limitations on his movements as he cannot come near human beings, therefore, knows about them, only by his knowledge. They call this human-like monstrous Deity as Allah.

Salafis also claim that their Sky God is one of its kind, self made, independent, neither beget nor begotten. They claim they are Muslims and treat real Muslims as unbelievers.

Ibn Baz (1910-1999) the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia wrote : (Their Sky) God has (i) a physical body (al-jism), (ii) He is physically sitting on the sky, and (iii) He has limbs, hands, eyes, tongue, face and other body parts.

Ibn Taymiyyah(1263-1328), one of the founders of Salafism, described the physical characteristics of their Sky God as follows :

(i) The Sky God needs (Meaning the God is not independent and not self sustained) (ii) He is divisible (Meaning the Gods can be many, but ultimately it is one entity only. This belief is exactly identical to the belief of Christians and Hindus). (iii) He settles in a place. (iv) He has six directions - up - down - left - right - front - back. (Meaning, the Sky God has a physical body). The Sky God is sitting above the skies and his face is in a certain direction. (v) He has limitations; no one but he knows about it. Even his place (dwelling) has a limitation which is on the seventh sky. Thus the Sky God has two limitations of movements. (vi) He has a size (of his body). (vii) He must be creating continuously. He can choose what to create but he cannot choose whether to create or not. (Meaning, he is helpless, has no choice but to create continuously).(viii) He is not mixed with his creation but is sitting alone separately on the sky.(ix) He has two real eyes, two real hands, a real (human like) face and other limbs. His face and other limbs are known to him only.

There are verses in Quran that refer to non-believers and Makkan pagans. Salafis, Deobandis and their like minded groups, following the footsteps of Khawaarij of Khulafa-e-Rashideen time, impose these verses on prophets, Aimma and Awliya Allah and mislead innocent Muslims.

Using the Quranic verses meant for Pagans (Mushrikeen-e-Makka) on Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), Sahabah (رضئ اللھ تعالی عنہم اجمعین ) and Awliya Allah was started by Munafiqoon during the time of Khulfa-e-Rashidoon. Later it was continued by Khawarij, Salafis, Deobandis and their like minded groups.

It is in Hadith - Ibn Umar (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) considered the Khawarij and the heretics as the worst beings in creation (meaning worst than Satan and his subordinate Shayateen), and he said : 'They went to verses which were revealed about the disbelievers (the pagans of Makka) and applied them to the Believers (Prophets, Sahabah, Awliya Allah and Muslims). (Bukhari)

Salafis, Deobandis and their like minded groups, treat the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), Sahabah and Aimma, just like ordinary sinful human beings and claim that after their deaths, no one should visit their graves. They do not believe in Eisaal-e-Thawaab. They call the graves of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم), Sahabah and Awliya Allah as places of Shirk. They claim all dignitaries of Islam are 'lieing Idols of Muslims' and those who visit their graves are grave worshipers. In this context, they use the following 4 verses of Quran, and impose them on Muslims/Awilya Allah to support their arguments related to visiting the graves of Awliya Allah and Muslims. It is an important information for all Muslilms to safeguard their Iman.

(1) It is in Quran - إِنَّكَ لَا تُسْمِعُ الْمَوْتَىٰ وَلَا تُسْمِعُ الصُّمَّ الدُّعَاءَ إِذَا وَلَّوْا مُدْبِرِينَ [Verily you cannot make the dead hear and you can not make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs and retreat. ] (An-Naml – 80)

All 4 verses quoted above, are from the Quranic chapters delivered in Makka. We all know that the Chapters delivered in Makka were mostly in refutation of Idol worship of Makkan Pagans. Therefore, the above verses are surely meant for Makkan Pagans. We have discussed these verses below to explain that the contention of deviant sects is spurious.

Verse No. 1

It is in Quran - إِنَّكَ لَا تُسْمِعُ الْمَوْتَىٰ وَلَا تُسْمِعُ الصُّمَّ الدُّعَاءَ إِذَا وَلَّوْا مُدْبِرِينَ [Verily you cannot make the dead hear and you can not make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs and retreat. ] (An-Naml – 80)

To understand the above verse in its correct perspective, read the verse which is mentioned immediately after this verse (verse 81). We have quoted below both these verses together for our readers to understand factual meanings in this regard.

It is in Quran إِنَّكَ لَا تُسْمِعُ الْمَوْتَىٰ وَلَا تُسْمِعُ الصُّمَّ الدُّعَاءَ إِذَا وَلَّوْا مُدْبِرِينَ - وَمَا أَنتَ بِهَادِي الْعُمْيِ عَن ضَلَالَتِهِمْ ۖ إِن تُسْمِعُ إِلَّا مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِآيَاتِنَا فَهُم مُّسْلِمُونَ[Verily you cannot make the dead hear and you can not make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs and retreat (verse 80). Nor can you lead the blind out of their error. You cannot make none to hear except those who believe (in) our revelations and who have surrendered (themselves to Islam) (verse - 81).](An-Naml – 80-81)

When we read both the verses together it is clear that word ‘dead’ is used to mean the disbelievers, and not those who are actually dead. In verse (80), it is mentioned that when 'you call them, they turn their backs and retreat'; meaning these verses are meant for the living Makkan pagans. Similarly, in verse (81), it is mentioned that 'you cannot make none to hear except those who believe in our revelations' which makes it abundantly clear that these verses are definitely meant for Makkan pagans who are unwilling to accept the truth of Islam.

To find out its actual meaning, let us study 3 verses, immediately before this verse. We have provided below all 4 verses together for our readers to understand correct contextual meanings.

It is in Quran –وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَعْمَىٰ وَالْبَصِيرُ - وَلَا الظُّلُمَاتُ وَلَا النُّورُ - وَلَا الظِّلُّ وَلَا الْحَرُورُ - وَمَا يَسْتَوِي الْأَحْيَاءُ وَلَا الْأَمْوَاتُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُسْمِعُ مَن يَشَاءُ ۖ وَمَا أَنتَ بِمُسْمِعٍ مَّن فِي الْقُبُورِ[ The blind and the seeing are not alike (verse 19). Nor are the depth of darkness and the light (verse 20). Nor are the (chilly) shade and the (genial - gracious) heat of the sun (verse 21). Nor are alike those that are living and those that are dead, Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) can make any, that He wills, to hear, but you (O’ Prophet - صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) cannot make those hear who are in graves (verse 22). ] (Fater - 19-22)

Verse 19 - ‘The blind and the seeing are not alike’.

This has reference to Makkan polytheists. Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)is referring them as blind because they do not have the light of Iman in their hearts.

Verse 20 - ‘The depth of darkness and light is not alike’.

This means, Kuffars’ hearts are buried in the depth of darkness, therefore they cannot be compared with Muslims whose hearts are enlightened with Iman.

Since, Makkan pagans hearts are buried in the depth of darkness, it is referred as 'chilly shade' which cannot benefit from the heat of the sun. Meaning, the polytheists of Makka are not benefited from the gracious heat of Iman that is emanating from Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).

Verse 22 has three parts.

Part (22.1) - ‘The living and dead are not alike’.

This means, the polytheists of Makka and Muslims are not the same. Muslims are referred as living beings because of their Iman. As Makkan pagans' hearts are buried in the depth of darkness because of their Idol worship, they are referred as 'dead people'.

Part (22.2) - ‘Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) can make any that He wills to hear’.

Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) says that He has the omnipotence (power) to make anyone hear - which means He can give Iman to anyone he wishes.

Part (22.3) - (O’Prophet - صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) you cannot make those dead bodies listen that are in graves’.

Since the entire discussion is about Makkan Mushrikeen whose hearts are buried in the depth of darkness because of their Idol worship, this part of the verse 22.3 naturally refers to them. Here, the word 'grave' is used as a metaphor with reference to the hearts of Makkan Pagans which are buried in the depth of darkness as that of grave. The graves of Muslims are not dark. They are illuminated by Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) mercy.

Thus, the entire sequence of verses (Fater - 19-22), mentioned above refer to the Makkan polytheists and not to the actual dead.

It is in Hadith - Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said: "He who remembers his Lord and he who does not, are like the living and the dead. (Muslim).

It is in Hadith - Abu Musa (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrates that the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, “He who remembers his Lord and he who does not are like the living and the dead.”[Bukhari, as-Sahih (5:2353 # 6044), Mundhiri, at-Targhib wat-tarhib (2:256 # 2303), Asqalani, Fath-ul-bari (11:210 # 6044)]

It is in Hadith - Abu Musa (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) narrates that the Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم) said, 'The house in which Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is remembered and the one in which Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is not remembered are like the living and the dead." ]

It is in Quran -الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا صُمٌّ وَبُكْمٌ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ ۗ مَن يَشَإِ اللَّهُ يُضْلِلْهُ وَمَن يَشَأْ يَجْعَلْهُ عَلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ (And they who reject Our verses ( and those who reject the real meanings and misinterpret them and draw wrong conclusions from them) are deaf and dumb, in utter darkness; whom Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)pleases He causes to err and whom He pleases He puts on the right way). (Al-An'aam - 39).

Verse No. 3

It is in Quran -وَالَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ لَا يَخْلُقُونَ شَيْئًا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ. أَمْوَاتٌ غَيْرُ أَحْيَاءٍ ۖ وَمَا يَشْعُرُونَ أَيَّانَ يُبْعَثُونَ[ To whom they call on beside Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)can create nothing, they are themselves created. Dead are they - absolutely without life. They cannot even know when they will be raised.] (An-Nahl - 20-21)

The above verses are meant for Makkan Pagans and their dead ancestors which is proved from the following Quranic verses, Ahadith and quotes.

(ii) It is in Hadith - Narrated by al-Hakim that Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) placed his forehead on the grave of Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم). Marwan Ibn al-Hakam, the Governor of Madina, saw him and held his neck. Abu Ayyub (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) said I did not come to the Stone (Idol). I came to the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم).I heard the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم)say : Do not weep for Islam if the qualified people were in-charge, but weep for it, if it was under the charge of unqualified. (Al-Hakim related this Hadith in Mustadrak and said it is Sahih. ad-Dhahabi (who is held in great respect by Salafis) agreed to his authentication.

In the above Hadith, there is clear cut distinction between Idols worshiped by Idol worshipers and the Graves of Prophets, Sahabah and Awliya Allah. Paying respects, placing forehead on the Mazar or kissing the Mazars of Islamic dignitaries is the tradition of Sahabah.

Look in the above Hadith, Abu Ayub (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) is reported to have placed his forehead on the pious grave of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم)and when Marwan (the Governor of Madina) tried to hold him, he says that I have come to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم)and not to an Idol.

Walking on the foot steps of Khawarij, Salafis, Deobandis and their like minded groups claim that the Idol worshiped by Indol worships/Hindus in temples is standing, and the Muslims Idols are the Awliya Allah who are laying in their graves. Astaghfiruallah. To equate Awliya Allah, Sahabah, Imams as Idols is to invite the wrath of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

The above Hadith confirms the fact that kissing of Graves and placing head and rubbing face on the Graves is the tradition of Sahabah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہم اجمعين ).

(iv) It is in Hadith - Yahya related from Imam Malik (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that he heard that AIi Ibn Abi Talib (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) used to rest his head on Graves and lie on them [holding the grave with his stretched hands while his head, entire face and chest is rested on the Grave]. Imam Malik (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) said, "As far as we can see, it is only forbidden to sit on the Graves to relieve oneself." (Muatta' Imâm Malik - Book 16)

(v) Ibn Taymiyya, the first in command of Salafis, Deobandis and their like minded groups, wrote a Hadith in his book Siraatal Mustaqeem : A person came to the blessed grave of the Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and requested food from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and sat down. After a while a Hashmi (a member of the Prophet’s - صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم family ) came to him. He had with him a tray of food, and said, "this food has been sent by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) and with it he gave a message: Eat it and leave from here because whoever loves us does not make this kind of desire". (Iqtida as-Sirat al Mustaqim, page 290 by Ibn Taymiyya).

From the above, it is proved that we can request from the pious people for our needs and they can help in alleviating our problems.

Salafis, Deobandis, and their like minded groups misinterpret the above verse and Hadith to mean that there is no difference between the death of Prophet Mohammad ( صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم )and the death of a Pagan Mushrik; in the sense that both cannot see or hear after death. (Astaghfirullahal Azeem).This claim on their part is Kufr, a blatant and unpardonable Kufr. No person who has some common sense, can equate Allah's Apostle (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) with a Pagan Mushrik, both in this life and in Hereafter. (La haula wala quwwata illa billah).

To understand the meaning of this verse, let us read a verse before this verse. We have provided below both these verses for our readers so that they understand true meanings in this context.

It is in Quran - ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا رَّجُلًا فِيهِ شُرَكَاءُ مُتَشَاكِسُونَ وَرَجُلًا سَلَمًا لِّرَجُلٍ هَلْ يَسْتَوِيَانِ مَثَلًا ۚ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ۚ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ - إِنَّكَ مَيِّتٌ وَإِنَّهُم مَّيِّتُونَ[Allah puts forth a similitude : a (slave) man belonging to many partners (like those who worship others along with Allah) disputing with one another, and a (slave) man belonging entirely to one master (like those who worship Allah alone). Are those two equal in comparison? All praises and thanks be to Allah! But most of them know not. Surely you shall die and they too shall (surely) die.] (Az-Zumur - 29-30)

Verse 29 establishes that the people who worship Idols are not the same as those who worship Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). Surely, the treatment, rewards and active life of Muslims after their deaths will be different from the punishment of dead Mushrikeen. There are many Quranic verses and Ahadith and quotes mentioned above which testify that Prophets, Sahabah, Awliya Allah are alive, they can see, listen and pray for us. This is Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ)beneficence and reward for them.

Verse No. 30 describes - ' O' Prophet ( صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم ), you will die and these Mushrikeen will also die', but since you are not like one of them, therefore, your state, after death, will be exalted, totally different from their state. Your rewards and responsibilities, after death, are different from the punishment and torment of dead Mushrikeen.

Read more Quranic verses in this context.

(i) It is in Quran - أَمْ حَسِبَ الَّذِينَ اجْتَرَحُوا السَّيِّئَاتِ أَن نَّجْعَلَهُمْ كَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَوَاءً مَّحْيَاهُمْ وَمَمَاتُهُمْ ۚ سَاءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ [As for those who (do not have faith, and) indulge in (evil) sinful acts, do they think that We place them - both in their life and their death - on equal footing with those who have attained faith and do righteous deeds? Bad indeed is their judgment. ] (Al-Jathiya - 21)

(ii) It is in Quran - لَا يَسْتَوِي أَصْحَابُ النَّارِ وَأَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ ۚ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ[ The inmates of Hell and inmates of Paradise are not in the same position. Only the inmates of Paradise are felicitated.] (Al-Hashr - 20)

(iii) It is in Quran - أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا ۚ لَّهُمْ دَرَجَاتٌ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ [Those are they who are truth believers. For them are Grades (of honor) with their Lord, and pardon, and a bountiful provision. (Al-Anfal - 4)]

رَبَّنَا إِنَّكَ جَامِعُ النَّاسِ لِيَوْمٍ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ [ 'Our Lord! Indeed You will gather all mankind on the Day (of Judgement) about which there is no doubt; indeed Allah’s promise does not change.]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 010

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَنْ تُغْنِيَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَالُهُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُهُمْ مِنَ اللَّهِ شَيْئًا وَأُولَئِكَ هُمْ وَقُودُ النَّارِ [ Indeed for those who disbelieve, neither their wealth nor their offspring will help to save them in the least from Allah; and it is they who are the fuel of Hell fire.]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 011

كَدَأْبِ آَلِ فِرْعَوْنَ وَالَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ كَذَّبُوا بِآَيَاتِنَا فَأَخَذَهُمُ اللَّهُ بِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَاللَّهُ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ [ Like the people of the Pharaoh, and those before them, who rejected Our signs, (they) were punished for their sins by Allah; and (know that) the punishment of Allah is severe. ]

قَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ آَيَةٌ فِي فِئَتَيْنِ الْتَقَتَا فِئَةٌ تُقَاتِلُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَأُخْرَى كَافِرَةٌ يَرَوْنَهُمْ مِثْلَيْهِمْ رَأْيَ الْعَيْنِ وَاللَّهُ يُؤَيِّدُ بِنَصْرِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَعِبْرَةً لِأُولِي الْأَبْصَارِ [ Indeed there was a sign for you in the two groups that clashed; one army fighting in Allah's cause, against the other of disbelievers, whom they (the Muslims) saw with their eyes, as twice their own number; and Allah strengthens with His help whoever He wills; indeed in this is a lesson for the intelligent, to be learnt by observing.]

The above verse refers to the Battle of Badr (غزوة بدر‎), fought on March 17, 624 CE (17 Ramadan 2 AH) at a place called Badr, 70 miles from Madina. There are many verses in Quran about this battle in which Muslims routed Makkan Pagans' powerful army with the help of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). The battle of Badr was a turning point in Islamic history.

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 014

زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ الشَّهَوَاتِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ وَالْبَنِينَ وَالْقَنَاطِيرِ الْمُقَنْطَرَةِ مِنَ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِضَّةِ وَالْخَيْلِ الْمُسَوَّمَةِ وَالْأَنْعَامِ وَالْحَرْثِ ذَلِكَ مَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَاللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حُسْنُ الْمَآَبِ [ Enamoured are people with lust of (worldly) pleasures, of women and of children and hoarded heaps of gold and silver, well-bred horses, and tilled land and cattle, all (these are vain) goods and chattels of the (temporary) life of this world, while the best of abodes is with (your) Lord. ]

We are allowed to use the facilities provided by Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) in this world but are not allowed to let them enter our heart. Meaning, we should not become slave of these comforts, get involved in them, forgetting Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ).

الصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْمُنْفِقِينَ وَالْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالْأَسْحَارِ [ These are the (people who are) patient, sincere and devout, full of charity; who pray for (their) forgiveness in the hours of dawn. ]

The prayer at dawn is very important for asking pardon for our sins as it is expected that our prayers and supplications will be answered.

It is in Hadith - It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah (رضئ اللہ تعالی عنہ) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said: “The Lord descends every night to the lowest sky when one-third of the night remains and says : ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim). The Hadith is narrated by 28 Sahabah.

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 018

شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَأُولُواْ الْعِلْمِ قَائِمًا بِالْقِسْطِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ [ Allah is witness there is no god but He, and so are the angels and men of learning. He is the upholder of justice. There is no god but He, the Almighty, All Wise. ]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 019

إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ وَمَا اخْتَلَفَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ إِلَّا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ وَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِآَيَاتِ اللَّهِ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ [ Indeed the only true religion in the sight of Allah is Islam; those who had received the Books differed only after the knowledge has come to them, due to the envy in their hearts; and whoever disbelieves in the signs of Allah, then (know that) Allah is swift in taking them to account. ]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 020

فَإِنْ حَاجُّوكَ فَقُلْ أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّهِ وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِ وَقُلْ لِلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ وَالْأُمِّيِّينَ أَأَسْلَمْتُمْ فَإِنْ أَسْلَمُوا فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوْا وَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ الْبَلَاغُ وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ [ Then if they argue with you, (O' Prophet ﷺ) tell them, 'I have submitted myself to Allah and likewise my followers have submitted. Ask the People (who were) given the Books (Jews and Christians) and illiterates (Makkan Pagans), 'do you submit?' If they submit, they have attained the right path, and if they turn away, then you are only required to convey this message (to them); And Allah (is aware and) sees His servants (what they do.) ]

أُولَئِكَ الَّذِينَ حَبِطَتْ أَعْمَالُهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآَخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُمْ مِنْ نَاصِرِينَ [ They are those whose deeds are wasted in this world and in the Hereafter; and they will have no one to help them. ]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 023

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا نَصِيبًا مِنَ الْكِتَابِ يُدْعَوْنَ إِلَى كِتَابِ اللَّهِ لِيَحْكُمَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ يَتَوَلَّى فَرِيقٌ مِنْهُمْ وَهُمْ مُعْرِضُونَ [ Did you not see them who had received a part of the Book, when called towards the Book of Allah (the Quran) for judging between them, a group of them opposes it and turns away? ]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 024

ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَالُوا لَنْ تَمَسَّنَا النَّارُ إِلَّا أَيَّامًا مَعْدُودَاتٍ وَغَرَّهُمْ فِي دِينِهِمْ مَا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ [ They dared to do this because they claim, the fire will definitely not touch us except for a certain number of days. They are deceived in their religion by the lies they (themselves) fabricated. ]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 025

فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جَمَعْنَاهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهِ وَوُفِّيَتْ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ [ So what will be (their state) when We bring all of them together on the Day (of Judgement) about which there is no doubt; and every Nafs will be paid back in full for what it has earned, and they will not be wronged. ]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 026

قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ مَالِكَ الْمُلْكِ تُؤْتِي الْمُلْكَ مَنْ تَشَاءُ وَتَنْزِعُ الْمُلْكَ مِمَّنْ تَشَاءُ وَتُعِزُّ مَنْ تَشَاءُ وَتُذِلُّ مَنْ تَشَاءُ بِيَدِكَ الْخَيْرُ إِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ [Say, O' Allah, Owner of Sovereignty, You give sovereignty to whom You will and You take sovereignty away from whom You will. You honor whom You will and You humble whom You will. In Your hand is (all) good. Indeed, You are competent over all things. ]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 027

تُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَتُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَتُخْرِجُ الْحَيَّ مِنَ الْمَيِّتِ وَتُخْرِجُ الْمَيِّتَ مِنَ الْحَيِّ وَتَرْزُقُ مَنْ تَشَاءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ[(O'our Lord) You make the night enter into the day, and You make the day enter into the night; and You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living. And You give provisions to whom You will without account.]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 028

لَا يَتَّخِذِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الْكَافِرِينَ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِنْ دُونِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ فَلَيْسَ مِنَ اللَّهِ فِي شَيْءٍ إِلَّا أَنْ تَتَّقُوا مِنْهُمْ تُقَاةً وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ الْمَصِيرُ[Those who believe should not take unbelievers as their friends in preference to those who believe. Whoever does that, has no connection whatsoever with Allah, except if you fear them; Allah warns you of His wrath; and towards Allah is your return. ]

Muslims can live in a multi-cultural society, under Islamic or non-Islamic governments in peace and amity with followers of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds. They can be friendly with them and help them in their hour of need.

It is in Hadith – Ibn Abbas (رضئ الله تعالى عنه) reported, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و آله وسلم) said ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side is hungry’ ( Baihaqi, Sunan al-Kubra).

In the above Hadith there is no mention that your neighbor should be a true Muslim in order to help him/her in any manner needed. He/She can be anyone, belonging to any sect, faith and ethnicity.

What Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) is explaining in the above verse is, the Muslims, in the name of friendship, inter-faith harmony or peaceful co-existence start befriending with non-Muslims to an extent that they start visiting their temples, churches, and other places of worship and start participating in that worship with them. This is what Ammani sect propagates in the world. They intermix with non-Muslims, leaving Muslims, to an extent that they loose Sahih Iman. If someone does that, then Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) will leave him in that state and he will be subjected to Allah's (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ) wrath in both the worlds.

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 029

قُلْ إِنْ تُخْفُوا مَا فِي صُدُورِكُمْ أَوْ تُبْدُوهُ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَاللَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ[Say, (O' Prophet ﷺ), “Whether you hide or reveal; (and) whatever is in your hearts, Allah knows it all. And He knows all whatever is in the skies and all whatever is on earth; and Allah has power over all the things.”]

Juz 3, Aal-i-Imran, Verse 030

يَوْمَ تَجِدُ كُلُّ نَفْسٍ مَا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ مُحْضَرًا وَمَا عَمِلَتْ مِنْ سُوءٍ تَوَدُّ لَوْ أَنَّ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَهُ أَمَدًا بَعِيدًا وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌ بِالْعِبَادِ[On that day (of Judgement) when every man will find whatever good he has earned and and whatever evil he earned, and he will be confronted with it, (the one who earned evil) will wish that a distance appeared between him and that day. Allah warns you of His punishment. And (know that) Allah is Most Compassionate towards His Servants.]